Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts' Goldsmith Theater Completes Its Structure With Topping Off Of Last Steel Beam

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts completed a major construction milestone with the last steel beam installed at the Topping Off ceremony in Beverly Hills. (PRNewsFoto/Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts) Facebook Twitter Pinterest

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts completed a major construction milestone with the last steel beam installed at the Topping Off ceremony in Beverly Hills. (PRNewsFoto/Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts)

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., Nov. 9, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts completed a major construction milestone yesterday with the Topping Off of the 500-seat contemporary Goldsmith Theater. The last steel beam raised was adorned with the United States flag and a pine tree to symbolize growth and bring luck to the project and its future. The beam was signed by the distinguished Board of Directors, Founding Donors and the MATT Construction team.

"Witnessing each step of the construction process is an inspiring experience. For all the donors, board of directors and staff that have been intimately involved on this project throughout the years these milestones are particularly exciting," said Lou Moore, Annenberg executive director. "But this day is truly dedicated to the 200 construction workers who are bringing this cultural destination to life."

The exterior skin of the theater will now begin with the installation of the Swiss Pearl walls and expansive window wall of glass. Following the completion of the exterior, the focus will shift to the state-of-the-art interior. As the new construction takes the next step forward, the cleaning and restoration of the exterior walls and 24,000 original Terracotta tiles of the historic Post Office are well underway.

The Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts was designed by acclaimed architect Zoltan Pali of SPF:architects and is scheduled to open Fall 2013.

About the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing ArtsThe Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts will transform a Beverly Hills city block into a vibrant new cultural destination with two distinct, elegant buildings: the historic 1933 Italianate-style Beverly Hills Post Office and the new, contemporary 500-seat, state-of-the-art Goldsmith Theater. Together the venues will embrace the City's history and future, creating a new cultural landmark. Within the treasured Post Office, existing spaces will be re-imagined into a flexible 150-seat Studio Theater, a theater school for young people, cafe, gift shop and production services. The buildings will be surrounded by lush courtyards, a sculpture garden and promenade event terrace. Located in the heart of Beverly Hills, the Annenberg will be a home to artists from around the world and audiences of every age. For additional information, www.annenbergbh.com.